SPRING TIPS

To avoid any embarrassment and expensive mistakes, why not use the following pre-launch checklist. If you have a copy of your owner’s manual, this will make life a lot easier, it will help you find out the correct oils and lubes to use and capacity needed. Once your boat is launched you will probably have to use the motor straight away, therefore it is worth getting the engine in order ahead of the launch.

Oil Check - If you did not change the engine oil when you put the boat up for the season, now is the time to do it. It’s important to change the oil to prevent corrosion and excessive wear which can lead to loss of power, poor fuel economy or engine failure. You will also need to change the oil filter. Change the oil in gearbox or the sterndrive’s lower unit as well. Please dispose of your oil using our disposal point in the top corner of site, please ask in the marina office if you have not used this facility before and we can show you where it is.

Battery Inspection - Assuming you removed your batteries at the end of the season, replace them and reattach the cables. Make sure the terminals are not corroded. If so, wipe them clean. With a battery tester, check the volts and amps. Does it have power? If it is charged and still no luck, it may be time to buy a new battery. If you keep the batteries on the boat with a shore power charger on then you must check the fluid levels regularly. Once your engine is up and running again, make sure that the alternator is working properly. Battery voltage should remain at between 13.5 and 14v on a 12v system.

Cooling System - Hopefully you drained the cooling system to prevent freezing. If so, fill it back up. Rinse out the strainer and check the hoses for cracks.

Fuel System - You also should have topped off the tank with gas to prevent any moisture and condensation forming in the tank and diluting the gas. Change the fuel filter. Make sure the fuel line is attached and not cracked. In the winter these hoses can become dry and brittle.

Distributor - Take the distributor cap off and clean it out. Corrosion could have occurred during the winter. Make sure all connections are dry and restored.

Belts - Re- tighten all belts if needed. The general rule of thumb for your v-belt is around 12mm of play on the belt if you apply reasonable pressure. For flat belts, you should be able to twist it through 90 degrees. Belts that are not tight will wear faster because they will likely begin to slip. The alternator belt usually wears faster than the others. A sign of a worn belt is black soot somewhere in the vicinity of the pulley.

Very importantly check for any badly corroded hose clips and replace. Check and grease the stern gland if applicable. Check and grease the back of the throttle control mechanism.